Plumbing Africa October 2017 | Page 47

PERSONALITY PROFILE 45 On the right track By Dineo Phoshoko HOW DID YOU ENTER THE PLUMBING INDUSTRY? My mother became a plumber at the age of 38, and when I got my diploma in financial information systems at 20, I had no interest in pursuing it further. My mom then asked if I wanted to try plumbing for a year and I have enjoyed it ever since. WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO JOIN THE INDUSTRY? I love the challenges and the constant learning we do in plumbing. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE INDUSTRY? Nine years. REGARDING MALE COLLEAGUES, HOW DO THEY REACT TOWARDS YOU? I joined IOPSA (Institute of Plumbing South Africa) in the Border region at the insistence of my fellow plumbers — they have been very welcoming. But I still meet a lot of chauvinists who tell me I should leave the men’s work to the men. WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU CURRENTLY FACE IN THE INDUSTRY? The challenges one experiences as an entrepreneur are not really gender based; it is a tough endeavour to go into. But the hardest thing is trying to get anybody to give you a chance, whether it is clients, financing, or suppliers. You need to be sure that you build sustainable relationships and you need to have foresight. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OR MILESTONES YOU HAVE HAD AS A FEMALE PLUMBER? Passing my trade test at Olifantsfontein the first time, becoming the secretary of IOPSA Border region, and opening our plumbing hardware store. WHAT KEPT YOU MOTIVATED TO KEEP GOING DURING DIFFICULT TIMES? I love what I do. I have learnt that if you are in it to win it, you keep going no matter what. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Dealing with clients; every day you meet interesting characters. WHAT UNIQUE SKILLS DO YOU THINK YOU BRING TO THE INDUSTRY AS A WOMAN? Women have an eye for detail no matter how minor. After attaining a qualification in financial information, a young Lorraine Mooi found that she had no interest in pursuing a career in that field. Her mother suggested that she enters the plumbing industry. Nine years later, Lorraine continues to steam ahead. Lorraine Mooi loves the challenges and the ongoing learning in plumbing. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO ACHIEVE IN THE COMING YEARS WITHIN THE INDUSTRY? Become a Master Plumber and chairperson of IOPSA Border region. FROM THE TIME THAT YOU STARTED WORKING IN PLUMBING TILL NOW, WHAT CHANGES HAVE YOU OBSERVED? Consumers are realising that plumbers have a very important part to play in society, and consumers are not taking plumbers for granted as much. There is still a way to go, but we are on the right track. ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER WOMEN ASPIRING TO WORK IN THIS INDUSTRY? Plumbing is an amazing field to join. If you have an interest, find out if there is an IOPSA in your area and attend a meeting. You will meet wonderful people. PA The Personality Profile is sponsored by Geberit www.plumbingafrica.co.za October 2017 Volume 23 I Number 8